Established first in Westport, CT in 1993, under the above logo and business banner Maris Freighter Specialty Cruises, offering a variety of voyages on small ships in coastal and island trades, as well as Around-the-World cruises on large containerships until Covid pandemic prevented travel on long ocean trips without a doctor on board. The Freighter Travel Club was established back in 1957 with the purpose to facilitate an exchange of information among the North American members. We took it over in 2002 and extended the mandate as an Int'l Club that could also provide its members with the ability to easily book freighter voyages and keep them informed through the web pages and the newsletter, Seaworthy News. Thanks to the support received over the years, Maris became one of the leading independent freighter cruise specialists, led by Capt. Ranko Zunic, President, the founder and driving force of the organization, who will outline his career background in the following article. Ian K. Turner, Editor

Sailing in front of our idyllic seaside home during my early childhood years in the mid 1950's attracted me to the sea and convinced me to follow the family seafaring tradition.

My first real journey took me from the island of Brac where I was born, 100 miles down south to Dubrovnik. New school regimen, as well as all the other new things that city life brings, such as catching and riding the tram to school, required an adjustment at the beginning.

Nevertheless, it all ended well with my graduation from the Nautical Academy in 1961 and, in 1968, from the Nautical College.

Between the years of formal schooling I began my career at sea and, most importantly, falling in love and marrying Maja.

The Zenica, 12-passenger 4,000-ton general cargo ship, sailed from Croatia, Italy and Spain to Montreal and the Great Lakes ports since 1959, the year when new Seaway was opened.

As a captain, I revelled in the experience of so many voyages in many parts of the world.

Since 1980 I held a number of executive positions, first with the Croatia's Adriatic Steamship (Jadroplov) in Chicago and Montreal, then with the Canadian Cast Line in Montreal and Bermuda until 1993, the year when I embarked on this part of my own journey. While at sea and in offices ashore, passenger service was always an important part of my responsibilities. Ships with itineraries such as the Adriatic - Africa, Adriatic - Australia, and Adriatic - Great Lakes, carried 12 passengers each.

Sunny and warm day, but choppy seas with passenger Armand in charge

The voyage to the Great Lakes, much sought after by passengers, was highly challenging to seamen. I was on that run throughout the 1970's, sailing from warm, colorful Mediterranean ports, across the wintry North Atlantic and icy St. Lawrence River, to Montreal, carrying general cargo and the very first shipments of what came to be known as 'containerized' cargo.

At the end of the winter, when the ice would begin to melt, the voyage would continue through the St. Lawrence Seaway and Welland Canal and into the Great Lakes.

For me personally, the greatest challenge, as well as satisfaction, was to sail on the Great Lakes and dock the ship in ports without assistance from the local pilots. Such a privilege was entrusted only to those sea captains who were experienced on the Great Lakes and who had passed a rigorous examination process - the exam had to be taken every two years. And the greatest thrill was to be the first ship of the season to reach a Great Lakes port.

My fourth and the last Great Lakes Navigation Certificate.

Greeting the first overseas vessel of the 1978 season, Harbor Master John Mann of the port of Toronto, Canada presents an aneroid barometer.

"Capt. Ranko Zunic sailing the Makarska into Cleveland's port to open the 1978 international shipping season. He was welcomed by Mayor Dennis Kucinich and Cleveland's Junior Chamber of Commerce". The Cleveland Press, April 10, 1978

Montreal, QC Canada 1981, representatives of the steamship lines serving Canada and the Great Lakes region

Maris office on the tenth anniversary, with Maja, my right hand and family members: Jean-Pierre, Sabi, Maris and Sean. Westport, CT USA, 2003

Back in Croatia, one of many nostalgic goodbyes to my, now late, mother.

Ranko Zunic

Maris Int'l Freighter Specialty Cruises Since 1993